Security

Akkas gas field falters despite increasing power needs

Even as wartime supply disruptions push Iraq toward a summertime electricity crisis, the Akkas gas field is producing at a fraction of its potential.

Representatives of the Iraqi Oil Ministry and the U.S. company SLB gather in Baghdad on July 22, 2025, for the signing of a contract for the development of the Akkas gas field. (Photo credit: Oil Ministry)

Jun 21, 2021

Escalating PKK war raises threat of intra-Kurdish conflict

For over two decades, rival Kurdish powers have sworn to avoid civil war — but deadly fighting has strained an informal truce to its breaking point.

May 27, 2021

Baghdad-Erbil security cooperation raises hope for counter-insurgency fight

After two years of talks, federal and KRG security forces have opened joint coordination centers that could help close security gaps exploited by insurgents.

May 5, 2021

Insurgents bomb Bai Hassan oil field, exploiting security gaps

Kirkuk's oil fields lack adequate protection because so many security forces were removed in a government crackdown on corrupt units involved in smuggling.

Apr 15, 2021

The Royal Court restaurant, the oil insider, and the $100,000 bribe

In Nassiriya, the arrest of an oil official highlights a kind of corruption that usually stays in the shadows of political protection networks.

Apr 7, 2021

Escalating protests disrupt Dhi Qar energy sector

Political upheaval and unabated protests have once again boiled over, shutting down the Nassiriya refinery and causing fuel shortages.

Mar 22, 2021

Q&A: Lt. Gen. Saad Ali Aati al-Harbiya, former head of Kirkuk’s Joint Operations Command

Harbiya, who was moved to the Joint Operations Command in Baghdad last week, discusses the fight against insurgents, improving coordination among rival security services, and winning the trust of locals.

Mar 19, 2021

Q&A: Ninewa Gov. Najim al-Jibouri

The military commander-turned-governor says Mosul has largely succeeded in re-establishing security — but lagging support from Baghdad is hurting the local economy, including energy investment.

Mar 16, 2021

Q&A: PUK Co-President Lahur Talabany

The co-leader of Kurdistan's second-largest party discusses politicized oil policies, factionalized leadership, security risks, and Iraq's national budget.

Mar 9, 2021

Q&A: Omar al-Waili, director of the Iraqi Border Ports Commission

With shake-ups at Iraqi border ports, the Kadhimi administration is trying to combat corruption, increase revenues, and reinforce federal government authority.

Jan 20, 2021

Power station bombed as insurgents exploit northern Iraq security gaps

Security leaders in Baghdad and Erbil have failed to implement plans to set up joint coordination centers.